白居易及其音乐理论

白居易（1271-1342），字乐天，号香山， born in New Zheng, a small official family man in the south of Henan province. His early years were spent in a world of political turmoil and civil strife. For him to have some sympathy with the masses of people affected by these struggles must have had an impact on his later life.

In 1605, when he was temporarily admitted to the office of both shan (left-hand archer) and susan (right-hand archer), he began to step into a more prominent career in government. The year 1607 marked the start of his仕途中, during which time he was assigned as the left collector, which had been inherited by several high-ranking officials. At that time, political power shifted and it was increasingly difficult for ordinary citizens to influence government decisions.

By the following century, however, white居易 began to take some pride in his ability to guide the people. In 1630, he was appointed as both shan and susan, a position he held until his late 40s. By 1657, he had died at the age of seventy-five, leaving behind a legacy that would influence not just Chinese culture but all of history.

One of white's most important contributions to music theory was his analysis of the relationships between sound and emotion. In The Prose, for example, he wrote:

"乐者本于声，声者发于情，情者系于政"
This passage highlights the fundamental connection between sound (or pitch) and emotion (or feelings). By studying this relationship, white was able to better understand the role of music in human societies.

In The Consolation of Philosophy, he also explored the relationship between sound and morality:

"大凡人之感干事，则必动于情，然后兴于嗟叹，而形于歌诗矣"
White argued that music, when written with a deep connection to the suffering of ordinary people, could inspire them and create meaningful art. He saw music as both a tool for morality and a means for healing.

In 1608, white began experimenting with various instruments, including the shan and susan. These experiments not only expanded his technical abilities but also gave him a deeper understanding of how sound interacts with others.

Despite his profound contributions to music theory, white remained deeply tied to Chinese culture. He believed that music was not just an intellectual pursuit but something essential for maintaining order in society. By studying the relationships between sound and emotion, he sought to create art that would resonate with ordinary people.

In The Ways ofuo, white wrote:

"首歌始，乃因忧触，后世皆以礼为好"
This passage reflects his belief that music is a means for guiding others through difficult times. By focusing on the emotions and concerns of individuals, he believed he could create art that would lift people out of despair.

Overall, white's approach to music was both practical and theoretical. He saw music as more than just an instrument; it was a way of life that allowed him to cope with the challenges of his time. His work left an indelible mark on Chinese culture, influencing not only its musical tradition but also its social and political structures.